A SUCCESSFUL South Lakes author's books are being translated into Chinese following their success in the business and education industries in the UK.

Helyn Connerr, of Kentmere, developed the 'Mercury Model' as a means to identify the different ways in which people learn, so that people may be able to take into account how best to share information with others.

Her latest book 'Fish Can't Climb Trees', explains the various learning types that are identified in the model and how they are best treated in the workplace or school.

Ms Connerr, who taught nuclear chemistry at American universities before she developed the Mercury Model, said: "The aim of this book is to help people learn more easily and to relieve stresses and difficulties within relationships.

"I developed this model as a team building tool. I first thought of it when I was teaching at university level and I realised even the smartest people can miss things if you don't approach the way they learn in the right way. I was teaching nuclear chemistry to classes that were mostly foreign, and I realised that they were taking things in in a different way to how I would.

"The book is not an academic text. It is supposed to be understandable and funny.

"It doesn't say: 'here is what is wrong with you and here is how to fix it. It says: 'Here are your greatest mental strengths if you are presented with information in the way in which you can best take it in.'

"The model has been used by schools and businesses. I would love to see it being used in international diplomatic meetings where important things need to be discussed in ways in which everybody will understand."

The Mercury Model specifies twelve types of learning which an individual can fall into. In her book, Ms Connerr explains the different ways these types of minds learn, and how they are often perceived by those around them.

In his foreword to the book Dr Chris Lane, of Ambleside, who has worked in education for most of his life, said: "The Mercury Model has proved itself beyond doubt with some of the most disengaged and demanding young people I have ever taught."

Ms Connerr hopes that in helping people understand the way others communicate, her book will help people learn and build relationships.

'Fish Can't Climb Trees' has been selected as a finalist for the Foreword Indies literary prize. It is published by Watkins.